Red Hat chooses Compel to trial new scheme
Linux vendor tests invitation-only partnership level aimed at higher level integrators and VARs
Linux vendor Red Hat has selected Compel to trial a new invitation-only partnership level aimed at higher level integrators at VARs.
The Certified Service Provider Programme (CSSP), which will sit above Red Hat’s existing Ready and Advanced partner levels, is set for a full UK launch within the next six months.
Hitesh Patel, business partner manager UK and Ireland at Red Hat, said the programme would allow the vendor to pass more professional services opportunities to its top resellers.
“It doesn’t make sense for us to get involved in projects that last less than three months. The idea is to get our partners to wear the Red Hat t-shirt and then share the proceeds,” he said.
“We’re looking for a mixture of Advanced partners that can make the investment in training and are already involved in selling professional services, and systems integrators who aren’t yet partners.”
CSSP is among a raft of new initiatives set to debut in the Red Hat channel this year.
Mike Trup, managing director at Red Hat distributor Interactive Ideas, said: “This is another step by Red Hat to increase capabilities in the channel. We see this as a positive step forward.”
Peter Dawes-Huish, chief executive of Red Hat Advanced partner LinuxIT, said: “The partner programmes Red Hat has traditionally rolled out have been one-sided, so I will be a little cynical until I see what value partners get from this.”
However, Patel hit back, claiming that LinuxIT had recently set up its own Linux support service and that it was no longer a “strategic partner”.
“Speak to other VARs and they will give a more realistic opinion of how Red Hat engages well with partners,” he claimed.